Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica

Giant hurricane Melissa has brought chaos to Jamaica. The Category 5 storm hit land on 25 October. It was the most powerful Atlantic hurricane to do so since 1935.

Experts followed Melissa's path for several days before it hit. They also studied where it would go next.

"We could see complete tree falls in the mountainous areas, and just complete and total destruction of some structures in those regions".

Everyone tried to get ready for the hurricane. But people in unsafe accommodation were in danger.

"I'm really worried about the people because in here I think I'm safe. I'm worried about those who don't have the facility to stay."

Hurricanes can cut off power and water supplies so the government handed out emergency kits beforehand. Esther Pinnock, from the Red Cross, explained.

"So we have, we have been disseminating drinking water, cleaning kits, hygiene kits, things that we know that persons are likely to need right after the storm."

The damage was as bad as the experts had predicted. Some places were completely destroyed by the 295kph winds. Flood water and blocked roads made it difficult to reach these areas. Houston Moncure's from Blue Falls.

"This is catastrophic. Now today, we're just trying to care for the people who are here, take care of ourselves and take care of each other".

Jamaica has recorded 28 deaths so far. But this number is likely to increase. The hurricane lost some power after it had left Jamaica. But Cuba and other islands in the Caribbean were also damaged. In Haiti, there have been 43 deaths and more people are missing. View Less